Creating a Cleansing Gel at pH 3

To create a stable cleansing gel at a low pH of 3 using herbal water, rice bran oil, fractionated coconut oil, and clean water, you cannot simply mix these ingredients. You will need to incorporate specific ingredients to emulsify the oils into the water phase and create a gel structure that is stable in acidic conditions.

Key ingredients you will need are:

• Surfactants: To cleanse the skin and emulsify the oils with the water. These must be effective and stable at pH 3.
• Gelling Agent/Thickener: To create the gel texture and stabilize the emulsion. This agent must be stable and effective at pH 3.
• Preservative: To prevent microbial growth in the water-containing formula. The preservative must be effective at pH 3.

Formulating at pH 3 is challenging as many common cosmetic ingredients are not stable in highly acidic environments. Based on available ingredients, here are some options that could potentially work:

Recommended Ingredients

• Gelling Agents (Choose one or a blend):
  • AnyGel™ (Dehydroxanthan Gum): This gelling agent is noted for its good resistance to acid, alkali, and electrolytes, making it a strong candidate for a pH 3 formula. It creates a non-greasy gel texture.
  • Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC): This can be used in formulations down to pH 3. Note that it typically requires heating to dissolve and form a gel.
  • PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether: This polymer thickener is described as having a wide pH range and can create a clear gel. It also requires heating to incorporate.
• Surfactants (Choose one or a blend): You will likely need a combination of surfactants to achieve effective cleansing and stable emulsification of the oils.
  • MakeUp-Wash™ (PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides): A gentle non-ionic surfactant commonly used in cleansing products. While its product pH is around 6, non-ionic surfactants are often more pH tolerant than ionic ones. Testing for stability and performance at pH 3 is recommended.
  • Laureth-7 Citrate: A gentle cleanser described as soluble in oil and usable in oil-based or water-free formulas. While primarily oil-soluble, its citrate structure suggests potential acid tolerance, and it might assist in emulsifying the oil phase into the water gel when used with a water-soluble surfactant.

General Formulation Steps

1. Prepare the Water Phase: Combine your herbal water (pH 3), clean water, and the chosen gelling agent. Disperse and hydrate the gelling agent according to the supplier's instructions to form your gel base. If using HEC or PEG-240/HDI Copolymer, follow the heating instructions.
2. Prepare the Oil Phase: Mix your rice bran oil and Fractionated Coconut Oil. If using an oil-soluble surfactant like Laureth-7 Citrate, incorporate it into this phase.
3. Incorporate Water-Soluble Surfactants: Add your chosen water-soluble surfactant(s), such as MakeUp-Wash™, to the water/gel phase and mix until fully dispersed.
4. Combine Phases: Slowly add the oil phase to the water/gel phase while mixing continuously. The surfactants will help emulsify the oils into the gel matrix, creating a stable cleansing gel.
5. Add Preservative: Incorporate a preservative that is effective and stable at pH 3.
6. Final Adjustments: Verify the final pH is around 3. Adjust if necessary using a suitable acid (like citric acid) or base, ensuring compatibility with all ingredients.

Creating a stable emulsion within a low-pH gel requires careful ingredient selection and formulation technique. It is highly recommended to perform small-scale tests to ensure stability, clarity (if desired), viscosity, and cleansing performance before scaling up.